POST OFFICE WORKERS (RELATOR PROCEEDINGS)

asked the Attorney-General in the light of his reply to the right hon. Member for Devon, North (Mr. Thorpe) on 27th January 1977, Official Report, column 1707, whether he had contact with the Post Office on Friday 14th January prior to the announcement at 3.32 p.m. of his refusal to join with Mr. John Gouriet in a relator action to prevent breach of the law by the postal workers' unions; if at any time he was consulted by or on behalf of the Post Office about the possibility of the Post Office being joined in relator proceedings; and what was his reply.

When I gave my reasons to the House for refusing Mr. Gouriet's application I indicated that I was free to do so as the matter at that time had ceased to besub judice. An appeal has now been lodged and thus the matter has become sub judidce once more Consequently I am unable to answer this Question.